about the artist
Kalama Studio, lead by Carson Butterbaugh, is not a separate entity from Mānoa Chocolate, but rather an extension of the brand’s mission. Born and raised in Hawai'i, Carson's art is inspired by real scenes across the Islands. Each piece has its own story, and represents a piece of home.
Carson has been working alongside his brother, Mānoa Chocolate founder and owner, Dylan Butterbaugh since the very beginning. When Dylan started the company at 24 years old, Carson was just 12, and he ran around helping where he could (and eating as much chocolate as he could). At 18, he began working more seriously with Mānoa’s creative departments.
More recently Kalama Studio’s mission is to create art that authentically represents Hawai’i’s culture. The goal with these works goes beyond attempting to make something beautiful. The goal is to tell Hawai’i’s story; both past, present, and the beautiful future we are constantly working towards here at Mānoa Chocolate.
